LIFE IS NOW

Captain Jeremy Hansberger brings 20 years of ocean experience to luxury catamaran charters, combining master-level technical seamanship with high-end hospitality. Raised on a self-sustaining family farm, he translates a strong, hands-on work ethic into the seamless management of complex marine systems and the delivery of top-tier guest services.

As a USCG Licensed Captain, ASA Sailing Instructor, and PADI Dive Instructor, Jeremy holds extensive operational experience commanding power and sailing catamarans -including Lagoon, Bali, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, Moon, and Dufour models-throughout the Caribbean and U.S. coastal waters. His technical proficiency spans vessel diagnostics, Victron power management setups, Starlink configurations, watermakers, and generator maintenance. Coupled with a solid background in restaurant operations, training, and management, Captain Jeremy delivers high-end charter experiences defined by uncompromising safety, gourmet culinary awareness, and personalized guest care.

Certifications:

USCG 100-Ton Master

Inland & Near Coastal

STCW Basic Safety Training

Maritime Safety

ABYC Certification

Vessel Systems & Standards

ASA Instructor 101–118: Sail, Keelboat & Offshore

PADI Staff Instructor & SSI Dive Instructor

Chef Sandy trained at Ashburton Chefs' Academy in the United Kingdom a few years after earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business. She loves preparing delicious meals for guests and introducing people to the seafaring lifestyle! She stars in her very own cooking show called “Cooking with Yacht Chef Sandy” and loves to showcase meals she makes aboard for her Roku TV and YouTube viewers.

Prior to taking to the ocean, she led the Corporate life, having worked Internationally in Australia, Italy, London, India and Thailand. She spent her first career on Wall Street in technology-related roles for a Fortune 100 Firm and a few extra years as a Management Consultant, also in Technology. These experiences have played in to the professionalism she brings to managing her galley and understanding the needs and desires of guests on board.

Sandy has been cooking since the age of 10 and she loves to get creative in the galley and serve up tasty snacks and beautiful meals to guests. In addition to serving as Chef aboard, Sandy is a PADI Divemaster and a USCG Certified 100 Ton Master Captain with blue water experience on the high seas. Some of Sandy’s favorite spots are the Virgin Islands (especially Waterlemon Cay and North Sound!) and the Exuma Islands of the Bahamas.

Sandy has been in the charter industry since 2007, first as a yacht owner, and later as Crew. In 2013, she added a 38’ day charter motor yacht based in New York to the fleet. 2015 brought a second motor yacht operating day charters in Long Island Sound and the charter operation was running in full swing. In 2017, Sandy, with a business partner, purchased a 2017 Lagoon 620 Essence Edition, and ran that yacht as owner-operator.

This chapter brings Sandy into the realm of cheffing aboard the gorgeous power cat “Life is Now” where she will treat her guests to delicious meals aboard an amazing vessel.

Certifications:

STCW Basic Safety Training

PADI Divemaster

100 Gross Ton USCG Master Captain’s License (currently being renewed)

Graduate of Ashburton Cookery School, Devon UK

Kaiden posses a strong combination of hands-on marine experience, watersports expertise, and a genuine passion for life on the water to luxury yacht charters. With experience spanning yacht operations, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, e-foiling, surfing, paddleboarding, and tender operations, he brings an adaptable and safety-conscious approach to every day on board.

His background in guest service, technical support, and team leadership has developed strong problem-solving skills and an ability to remain calm and professional in fast-paced environments. He takes pride in maintaining a clean, organized vessel while supporting the captain and ensuring guests receive attentive, personalized service throughout their charter.

Kaiden is committed to building a long-term career in the yachting industry. His hands-on work ethic, technical mindset, and enthusiasm for watersports make him a versatile and dependable member of the crew.

Whether preparing the yacht for a day on the water, assisting with watersports and tender operations, or helping guests discover the best of the destination, Kaiden brings energy, professionalism, and a genuine enjoyment of the ocean to every charter.

Certifications:

STCW Basic Safety Training

Level 2 Food safety / hygiene

USCG OUPV (6-Pack)

PADI Divemaster in progress

Sam is an experienced professional yacht captain with extensive cruising and charter experience throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas and beyond. Holding his RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification, he has worked aboard high-end private and charter yachts, managing vessel operations, safety, guest experience and passage planning.

Before moving into the yachting industry, Sam served as an Officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy, an experience that helped shape his strong leadership, professionalism and calm approach to operating at sea.

Originally from New Zealand, Sam has a natural love of the ocean and an active lifestyle. He is particularly passionate about diving and enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the marine environment with guests. When he isn’t at the helm or underwater, he enjoys surfing, watersports, fitness, travel and exploring new coastlines.

Certifications:

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with Commercial Endorsement

Category B Hydrographic Surveyors Qualification

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore w. Commercial endorsement

Padi Dive Master

Royal New Zealand Navy Navigator, OOW and Command

Royal New Zealand Navy OOW Engineering and Maintenance

IYT master of yachts 200GT unlimited power and sail

Originally from Finland, Matilda is a largely self-taught chef whose hands-on experience has been enriched by culinary courses at cookery schools across Europe. Before making the Caribbean her home, she spent four years working throughout the Mediterranean, including Italy, Greece and Croatia, as well as two seasons as a chalet chef in the French and Swiss Alps.

Matilda believes that exceptional food is about far more than what is on the plate — it brings people together, creates lasting memories and adds a little joy to every day. Her cooking is deeply inspired by her years in the Mediterranean, blending cuisines, flavours and techniques to create dishes that are fresh and exciting, while still retaining a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Seasonality is at the heart of her menus. She loves showcasing beautiful local produce and making as much as possible from scratch, with homemade bread being a particular passion. For Matilda, these small details are a reflection of the care that goes into every meal — and something she believes you can always taste.

Above all, Matilda’s approach is entirely guest-led. Each menu is thoughtfully created around individual tastes, preferences and dietary requirements, allowing every charter to have its own unique culinary identity. Her goal is simple: to create food that becomes part of the experience itself, leaving guests thinking about their favourite meals long after they step ashore.

Away from the galley, Matilda is happiest outdoors, whether diving in the warm Caribbean waters or skiing in the

mountains.

For Lily, life is at its best when it involves salt water, sunshine and a little bit of adventure. Originally from Austria and now based in Portugal, she has always been drawn to the outdoors and has found her true happy place on the water.

After more than a decade working in international communications and project management, Lily moved from the office to life at sea. She has since worked on sailing charters in Greece and Croatia, building extensive experience in hospitality and learning the rhythms of life aboard a yacht. She brings a polished, organised approach to her work, combined with a genuine love of making people feel welcome and helping them get the most out of their time on board.

As Deckhand and Steward aboard Life is Now, Lily is there to make each day feel effortless for guests. She enjoys anticipating what people need, keeping the yacht looking and feeling its best, and bringing a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere on board. From preparing for a day on the water to setting up for sunset cocktails, she takes care of the details so guests can simply enjoy their holiday. Cocktail hour is one of her favourite parts of the day, and she loves putting together drinks and a setting that make the transition from an afternoon in the water to an evening on board feel special.

The ocean is also a big part of the experience Lily hopes to share with guests. With her background in diving, freediving and sailing, she is always keen to help guests make the most of the water around them — whether that means getting set up for a snorkel, heading out on the tender, finding a beautiful spot for a swim or helping guests feel more confident trying something new. She particularly enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for exploring below the surface and encouraging guests to get off the yacht and experience the incredible surroundings.

Lily believes the best charter experiences come from a combination of thoughtful service, good food and drinks, time spent outdoors and the freedom to follow the day wherever it takes you. She looks forward to bringing that approach to Life is Now and helping make every guest's time on board easy, memorable and adventure-filled.

Certifications:

STCW Basic Safety Training

RYA Day Skipper

RYA Powerboat Level 2

PADI Divemaster

SSI Freediver

Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering